They’re putting on some good events at Chasewater these days - for a line that styles itself “The Colliery Line”, a coal trains day ought to be good - which it was, of course.It was never going to be a railway photography day - simply, we’d ride the trains (yes, a normal passenger service, the coal trains slotting in-between) and record the ongoing activity, provided by steam locos Colin McAndrew (AB 1223 of 1911), Holly Bank No.3 (HE 3783 of 1953) and the day-glo Bagnall no 2 (WB 2842 of 1946). The Hunslet is in reality the former Darfield No 1, currently recreating the identity of its visually similar brother which worked at local pits. The 08 took its turn (D3429?), and NB “D2911” (never a BR loco) helped out with the shunting at Brownhills West.

We took a ride out to the far end - Chasetown Church Street - and walked back, snapping a passing coal train en route. We arrived back at Brownhills West just in time for the next passenger train, so we rode again, this time as far as Chasewater Heaths station - where we detrained and walked to the Chasetown Church Street. It’s not far - we beat the train, as expected (more photo opportunities). Then it was back to Brownhills West again - this time following the clockwise route across the dam. No trains this way, of course, but it’s a shorter route back. which meant there was time for a well earned ice-cream before recording the last passenger departure and heading for home. A most enjoyable afternoon!Link: Chasewater Railway